Dave Navarro Reveals End to Camp Freddy, Beginning of Royal Machines

For the past decade, Camp Freddy have been a big draw with their covers sets filled with all sorts of mystery guests, but all good things must come to an end. Guitarist Dave Navarro delivered the news Thursday (Jan. 23), though he also revealed that the group has evolved to a new incarnation known as Royal Machines. The news comes on the heels of Perry Farrell announcing that Jane's Addiction would go on hiatus.

For years, the core of Camp Freddy has been Navarro, his fellow Jane's Addiction bandmate Chris Chaney on bass, Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver skinbeater Matt Sorum on drums, The Cult's Billy Morrison on guitar and vocals and Donovan Leitch serving as frontman and emcee for the performances. Most shows start with the original five, then evolve throughout the night with a list of surprise guests joining the band to perform well-known cover songs. Camp Freddy just completed their annual December residency at the Roxy in Los Angeles and also performed at the historic venue on New Year's Eve.

It is not known if the same five musicians will continue under the Royal Machines name, as Navarro was cryptic in his initial message to fans. In a Facebook posting at the newly launched Royal Machines website, it stated, "… And so we begin. More will be revealed."

On his own Facebook page, Navarro added, "After 10 years, we are retiring Camp Freddy and beginning our next incarnation -- Royal Machines." He also led fans to the new band's Twitter page. Stay tuned to find out who will be joining Navarro in the new group.